Sciatic Nerve and its Variations: An Anatomical Study.
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Date
2015-04
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Abstract
Background and Aims: The Sciatic nerve is the widest nerve of the body, consists of two components namely
tibial and common peroneal components, derived from the lumbosacral plexus from the ventral rami of L4 to S3
spinal nerves. The Sciatic nerve usually enters the gluteal region under the piriformis muscle. The purpose of
this study is to identify the variations in the course and branching pattern of the sciatic nerve and its relation
to the piriformis muscle which may lead to various clinical manifestations like non-discogenic sciatica.
Materials and Methods: 50 gluteal regions and posterior compartment of thigh from 25 formalin fixed adult
cadavers are used for this study, of which one is a female cadaver. Gluteal regions and the posterior aspect of
thigh on both sides are dissected to expose the sciatic nerve. Variations in the sciatic nerve and their relationship
to piriformis muscle are observed.
Results: 41 gluteal regions and posterior compartments of thigh (82%) showed normal anatomy of sciatic nerve
and also piriformis muscle. 9 regions (18%) showed variations in the sciatic nerve, of which 5 regions (10%)
showed variation of sciatic nerve in relation to piriformis muscle. Other details are explained further in the
article.
Conclusion: A proper knowledge about the variations of sciatic nerve, its relation to piriformis muscle is must
for medical professionals during posterior hip surgeries, sciatic nerve decompression, total hip replacement,
sciatic nerve injury during deep intramuscular gluteal injections, failed sciatic nerve block during anaesthetic
procedures etc.
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Keywords
Sciatic nerve, Piriformis muscle, Piriformis syndrome
Citation
Anbumani T L, Thamarai Selvi. A, Anthony Ammal S. Sciatic Nerve and its Variations: An Anatomical Study. International Journal of Anatomy and Research. 2015 Apr-Jun; 3(2): 1121-1127.